Environmental Graphics & VMD

SHPLUS W-Mall
Sejong City

Led the comprehensive design of Grand Opening VMD and integrated signage system for the new mixed-use shopping mall in Sejong City. Developed a cohesive environmental graphics system that optimizes brand identity and customer flow within Tom Main's architectural design.

2
Twin Towers
78+
Interior Banners
90+
Sign Elements
3mo
Project Duration
W-Mall Building Exterior
Client
SHPLUS / Embridge
Location
Sejong City, South Korea
Timeline
Feb – May 2020
Grand Opening
May 22, 2020
Role
Lead Designer
Project Overview

Design Direction & Strategic Planning

Served as Design Lead for the W-Mall mixed-use shopping complex opening in Sejong City. Through remote collaboration between Seoul headquarters and the Sejong site, managed the entire environmental graphics system from planning and design to production oversight over a 3-month period from February to May opening.

Leveraging the characteristics of the modern twin tower architecture designed by Tom Main, developed a unified visual language centered on the brand's signature red color. Analyzed customer flow patterns across M1/M2 towers and designed intuitive wayfinding systems and VMD elements to optimize the shopping experience.

Design Challenge

The challenge was to help customers naturally navigate the complex circulation system of the twin tower structure while harmonizing the celebratory atmosphere of grand opening VMD with the permanent signage system designed for long-term use.

Wayfinding System

Floor guides, store directories, directional signage

Grand Opening VMD

78 interior banners, 12 exterior banners, facade sheets

Pictogram System

Facility information, parking, amenity pictogram sets

Elevator Signage

Dedicated/shared elevator floor guides and brand signage

External Graphics

External pattern sheets and showcase integration design

Design Process

Strategic Design Workflow

Executed a systematic design process through remote collaboration between Seoul headquarters and the Sejong site.

01
Research & Analysis
2 weeks

Architectural drawing analysis, competitor benchmarking, target customer flow pattern research, and brand color system establishment

02
Concept Development
3 weeks

Signage system concept development, pictogram design, VMD drafts, and client feedback integration

03
Production Design
4 weeks

Production-ready detailed drawings, material and finish specifications, lighting plans and installation locations

04
Installation & QC
3 weeks

Production supervision, on-site installation support, quality inspection, and pre-opening final adjustments

Signage System

Comprehensive Wayfinding Design

Developed a signage system that meets both brand identity and functionality through premium materials with matte finish and texture, maximizing visibility with LED lighting.

Sign System Overview

Sign System Overview

Complete signage system design specifications and application guidelines

Directory Sign Specifications

Directory Sign

Floor directory signage

Directional Sign

Directional Sign

Directional signage design

Sign Material Specifications

Material & Lighting

Material specs: Matte finish, textured surface, LED lighting

Sign Dimension Details

Dimension Details

Front 200mm × Side 400mm × Top 1600mm

Sign System Application

Application Examples

Space application simulation and installation guide

Pylon Sign

Pylon Sign

Pylon signage design

Floor Sign

Floor & Wall Sign

Floor and wall-mounted signage

Hanging Sign

Hanging Sign

Ceiling-hung signage

Sign Installation Guide

Installation Guide

Floor-by-floor sign installation locations and quantity planning

Sign Technical Drawing

Technical Drawing

Production detailed drawings

Sign Color System

Color System

Brand color application guide

Pictogram System

Universal Pictogram Design

Universal pictogram system with single-color expression. Bilingual Korean/English labeling provides intuitive facility guidance for both domestic and international visitors.

Pictogram System Page 1 - Information & Parking

Information & Parking Pictograms

Restroom, elevator, escalator, and parking guidance pictograms

Pictogram System Page 2 - Facilities

Facility Pictograms

Nursing room, diaper changing station, repair shop, emergency exit, no smoking area

🚻
Information
Rest Room, Men, Women, Disabled, Children's Rest Room
🅿️
Parking
Elevator, Escalator, Staircase, Freight Elevator
👶
Facilities
Nursing Room, Diaper Area, Clothing Repair, Auto Payment
🚭
Safety
No Smoking, Exit, Dust bin, Emergency
Elevator & Parking

Vertical Circulation Signage

Integrated signage system for vertical circulation including floor guides, brand signage, and hanging directional signs for dedicated/shared elevators. Utilized premium materials such as acrylic, stainless steel, and tempered glass.

Elevator Signage System Overview

Hanging Induction Sign

Hanging directional sign 750×500mm, M1 new installation, M2 existing modification

Elevator Brand Design

External Brand Design

Dedicated elevator external brand design (Megabox common area)

Floor Guide System

Floor Guide (External)

Elevator external floor guide: Office, Food Court

Store Guide Sign

Store Guide Sign

E/V interior upper store guide 1600×150×400mm

Event Poster Guide

Event Poster Guide

E/V interior acrylic + lettering sheet 500×400mm

Floor Sign Attachment

Floor Sign (Attachment)

Stainless steel etching 550×800mm, pictogram + 3D lettering

CONT Pylon Sign

CONT Pylon Sign

Pylon sign brand logo, tempered glass surface for scratch prevention

Material Selection

Material Selection

Material samples 1-5, tempered glass surface finish options

Grand Opening VMD

Banner Installation System

Achieved visual unity by arranging 78 interior banners and 12 exterior banners across M1/M2 towers in Type A/B rotation pattern.

Type A Banners

1F (550×700mm) 17ea
2F/B1 (430×550mm) 21ea
Total Type A 38ea

Type B Banners

1F (550×700mm) 18ea
2F/B1 (430×550mm) 22ea
Total Type B 40ea
Key Learnings

Project Insights & Reflections

Remote Collaboration

Through remote collaboration experience from Seoul headquarters to Sejong site, gained deep understanding of the importance of clear communication and detailed production drawings.

Architectural Integration

Developed an integrated approach between architecture and graphic design through creating a signage system that harmonizes with Tom Main's modern architectural design.

VMD Strategy

Balanced grand opening VMD with long-term signage system. Established a harmonious coexistence strategy between temporary event elements and permanent installations.

Mall Information

Services & Operating Hours

Customer Services

🚗 Parking (B2-B4)
🎬 Megabox Cinema
👶 Nursing Room
🧷 Diaper Station
🪡 Clothing Repair
💳 Auto Payment
♿ Accessibility
📍 Information

Operating Hours

Shopping Mall 10:30 - 21:00
Food Court 10:30 - 22:00
Megabox Cinema 09:00 - 24:00
Grand Opening May 22, 2020

Interested in Environmental Design?

I would love to discuss branding, wayfinding, and VMD projects for mixed-use spaces.

Get in Touch